Seiko Prospex HBC005 and HBB001 Limited Editions

To celebrate Seiko's 145th anniversary, the Japanese company has released a series of watches with an attractive combination of blue and white colors.

This collection is dedicated to the legendary Seiko Blue shade and has brought several fresh and unexpected solutions. The new limited edition models Seiko Prospex HBC005 and HBB001 feature a pure white dial combined with a bright blue bezel. Let's take a closer look at these anniversary Seiko diver's watches.

I admit that initially, the blue-and-white scheme was not my natural choice, especially for diver's watches where I prefer darker shades like black, dark blue, or dark green. However, over the past couple of years, my attitude towards light dials, especially pure white, has noticeably changed. It's an interesting and pleasant phenomenon, although I couldn't foresee it a couple of years ago.

The expansion of preferences sparked my interest in this new duo of anniversary watches. The first model is the HBC005, an addition to the Heritage Diver 1965 line. Note that as of March 1, 2026, Seiko has changed its model designation system, so the new references may seem unfamiliar. The HBC005 belongs to the latest generation of Heritage Divers 1965, previously designated as SPB. This series replaces the popular Prospex SPB143 line and its counterparts.

The second model, HBB001, continues the design of the last SRPL “Samurai” series, which I reviewed in 2024. This series offered a reduced and updated design of the accessible “Samurai.” Like the Heritage Diver, the HBB001 features a pure white dial and a bright blue bezel. Thanks to the striking color scheme, both models immediately stand out in their series.

Seiko Prospex 1965 Heritage Diver HBC005 - Technical Review

Let's start with the HBC005 model. Like other Heritage Diver 1965 models, it features a stainless steel case with a diameter of 40 mm, a thickness of 13 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 46.4 mm, and water resistance up to 300 m.

The bezel is unidirectional with a bright blue aluminum insert and a 60-minute scale. The dial is white with texture, equipped with applied markers filled with a proprietary Lumibrite compound in blue, specially for this model. The date window is neatly positioned at 4:30.

The hour and minute hands are in the “pencil” style, filled with Lumibrite, and the second hand is blue with a rectangular luminescent section at the tip. The look is completed by a convenient three-link bracelet with Seiko's proprietary hard coating, matching the case.

The strap is equipped with a folding clasp with an extension for wearing over a wetsuit and a system for precise size adjustment. Behind the screw-down case back lies the proprietary caliber 6R55.

The modern automatic movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and provides a power reserve of up to 72 hours. The factory accuracy of the 6R55 caliber is -15/+25 seconds per day. The release is limited to 4,000 pieces, price — 1,500 euros.

Seiko Prospex “Samurai” HBB001 - Model Features

The second model, HBB001, has a stainless steel case with a diameter of 41.7 mm, a thickness of 12.3 mm, a lug-to-lug length of 49.5 mm, and water resistance of 200 m. Similar to the HBC005, the bezel is unidirectional with a bright blue aluminum insert, but the first 15 minutes are done in light gray for visual variety.

The dial is white, similar to the HBC005, with characteristic hour markers filled with light blue Lumibrite. The hands are in the signature “dagger” style, also with similar lume. The date window is located at 4:30. The strap is a three-link stainless steel bracelet 20 mm wide with a button clasp, a wetsuit extension, and a safety lock.

Inside is the caliber 4R35 - automatic with manual winding and stop-seconds, frequency 21,600 vibrations/hour, power reserve 41 hours. Official accuracy -35/+45 seconds per day. Despite modest specs, the movement is popular for its reliability and ease of maintenance. The release is limited to 9,999 pieces, price — 650 euros.

Impressions of Wearing the Seiko Prospex Models for the 145th Anniversary

I had the opportunity to try on both models and noted their significant differences. The more expensive HBC005 feels very solid. After a break from wearing the Heritage Diver 1965, I remembered the high build quality.

The bracelet and clasp are sturdy and comfortable, providing comfort when worn. The design, inspired by the 62MAS model, looks very harmonious, and the combination of blue and white gives the watch a fresh look.

Notably, the HBC005 feels thinner than its 13 mm thickness suggests - this is due to the narrow case, which sits well on the wrist, with additional thickness from the bezel and sapphire glass. Overall, I was pleased with the new release. Although this is more of a new color execution rather than a new model, it reminded me why the series is so popular with collectors.

Final Conclusions on the Seiko Prospex Diver's Watches for the 145th Anniversary

When transitioning to the HBB001, the first noticeable difference is the size. Despite only a 1.7 mm increase in diameter compared to the Heritage Diver 1965, it is immediately apparent. Nevertheless, the watch sits comfortably on an 18.5 cm wrist and looks good. Meanwhile, the model retains the signature “Samurai” charm that Seiko fans appreciate. Although I prefer the 62MAS aesthetic, I understand this design's popularity.

The price of the HBB001 is less than half of the HBC005, and this is reflected in the build quality, especially the bracelet and clasp. However, for 650 euros, you get a reliable diver's watch with character.

Additionally, the blue-and-white color scheme makes both limited models stand out among the regular options. Such an effect is expected from anniversary collections, so I predict quick interest from Seiko fans.

Technical Specifications